BRCGS Gluten-Free

In developed countries – approximately 50% of consumers are currently buying gluten-free products

By participating in the Gluten-Free Certification Program (GFCP) companies can benefit from the gluten-free market by communicating their commitment to producing safe, reliable and trusted gluten-free products for consumers.

Who needs BRCGS Gluten Free Certification Program?

All facilities/sites manufacturing their products currently making or wishing to provide gluten-free product assurances and claims.

Who does the BRCGS Gluten Free Certification Program cover?

The GFCP Global Standard applies only to the control of gluten in the manufacture, processing, and packing of gluten-free products. These include:

• processed foods, both own brand and customer branded
• ingredients for use by food service companies, catering companies, and food manufacturers
• pet food
• cosmetics
• natural health

Certification Process

Step 1: Register

Register online for the programme.

Step 2: Sign the Product Licence Agreement

• A signed Facility/Site Program License Agreement (PLA) is required for each facility/site producing gluten-free products and providing gluten-free assurance and claims.
• A signed Brand “Use of Trademark” Program License Agreement (PLA) is required for each brand owner producing gluten-free products and wishing to use the GFCP owned or managed trademark (s).
• Agreements outline the terms, fees and conditions regarding each party’s roles and responsibilities when engaging with the Gluten-Free Certification Program and lists the products that will be eligible to carry the Gluten-Free Certification Program trademark (s).

Step 3: Prepare

• Contact FoodChain ID so we can assess the requirements of your business and provide you with the proper documentation.
• The FoodChain ID Academy can also assist with BRCGS Gluten Free Standard training as required by clause 1.4 of the Standard. FoodChain ID are a BRCGS Approved Training Partner and our trainers are approved for virtual classroom training delivery

Step 4: Audit and Certification

• After completing a successful GFCP audit process FoodChain ID will issue the facility/site a BRCGS Gluten-Free certificate. This process may take up to six (6) weeks from your audit date, which includes time to close out non-conformances, from the audit and reporting/review.
• Annual license fees must be paid before your certificate renewal will be released by BRCGS to your certification body. Your first invoice will be issued based on your GFCP audit date. It is important to communicate this date to your GFCP representative, so the payment process does not hold up the issuing of the certificate.

Step 5: Coordinate Marketing Initiatives

• The GFCP is endorsed by leading celiac/coeliac consumer organisations. With an option to use their recognised certification trademarks on retail products packaging, brand owners have the option to also leverage certification with targeted marketing and communication, to reach this important segment of the global market. Download and complete a copy of the Gluten-Free Trademark Approval Form, and submit with your Schedule A and artwork to labels@brcgs.com for approval. Coordinating communication efforts and initiatives is important and an added value, which the GFCP supports with its brand customers.
• Each manufacturing facility/site certified in the GFCP also benefits from a listing on the BRCGS Directory, where retailers, brand owners and manufacturers can search for sourcing ingredients and or, contract manufacturers.

Step 6: Maintain your status

• Annual audits conducted by FoodChain ID must be performed to verify that all requirements of the GFCP are being met by each facility/site, in the program. In addition, a complete listing of gluten-free products using the GFCP owned or managed trademarks must appear on a Schedule A (which also forms part of the Brand Use of Trademark Program License Agreement (PLA)).
• To maintain an annual GFCP certification in good standing, a current certificate must be in place for each facility manufacturing gluten-free products which display the GFCP owned or managed trademarks. Ongoing annual recertification audits must be scheduled within the 28-day audit window indicated on your GFCP Certificate or combined with your unannounced audit if the site has elected to participate in the unannounced scheme.

What are the benefits of BRCGS Gluten Free Certification Program?

• Adopts a systems-based and facility certification approach to prevent product failure
• Is founded upon proven, globally recognised, science-based food safety protocols
• Complements GFSI-benchmarked standards
• Reduces the risks associated with relying solely on end-product gluten testing
• Enables cost and operational efficiencies by combining audits with all existing GFSI-benchmarked standards
• Permits access to a global network of trained and approved certification bodies, auditors, and training providers
• Provides a comprehensive support package, including implementation and training tools
• Opens new markets and increases business opportunities
• Increases the availability of gluten-free product choices for a growing consumer market
• Builds consumer brand trust by associating GF consumer product claims and endorsements with leading celiac organisations
• Provides marketing tools and public recognition on the BRCGS Directory